Journal Entry: Day 13 and Super-Nova!

So this is my first post in about a week, sorry about that. I've had the creative juices flowing, and I've met with Dr. Hardy a few times in the past week. We discussed my final presentation and I'm thinking about possibly doing a Sportscenter-esque highlight reel type thing, if you know what I mean? No? Didn't think so. I'm thinking of making a highlight reel, complete with graphics, b-roll and everything, of all my work for WISE. That means video from MSG, photos, articles, everything and anything I can add into it. I talked to two friends of mine, John Alfonzetti and Anthony Miniaci, who said they would be more than welcome to help me make this highlight reel. John, who's a computer wiz, is a person I completely trust to help me out with this.

Other than that, things are going great so far.

Today the final two spots in the Yankees' starting rotation were announced: Ivan Nova, last year's breakout rookie, and Freddy Garcia (formerly of the White Sox) will round out the Yankees' rotation behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Phil Hughes.

Nova, who was solid over the spring, was destined to be a lock for the rotation, while Garcia, who had the worst spring of the rotation battlers, was questionable. Bartolo Colon, who competed with Nova and Garcia for the rotation spot, perhaps pitched the best and most effectively of the three. His work did not go unnoticed though, as he will be the long-man reliever out of the bullpen. The news comes a day after Sergio Mitre, who also competed for a rotation spot, was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and when the Yankees signed veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal to provide veteran insurance incase Nova, Garcia, or Colon stumbles.

I predicted that the two spots would go to Garcia and Nova and I think that it's the best move for the Yanks. Yes, Colon did have a great spring, but he hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2009. He's very injury prone, and, while he had a good spring, eventually all good things come to an end. Garcia, on the other hand, started for the White Sox last year and was effective during his age 35 season. I feel that the Yankees are more confident in Garcia's ability to stay consistant rather than Colon's, just based on the fact that Garcia pitched last year.

As for Nova, I'm very happy he'll be starting for this team. It's time for a youth movement, and Nova will be the second home-grown player in the rotation (Hughes). I like the direction the Yankees are taking, allowing their prospects to play in the majors. It's not the way the Yankees used to operate, as they'd trade away every prospect. It's always better to grow your own players. Ivan Nova is going to open some eyes this year. This kid is gonna be a solid #4 for the Yankees.

With the pitching staff set, all that remains are the bench and back-up catcher roles. All should come in the remaining days of spring training as we await for opening day, just five days away.